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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Environmental officials in Rhode Island have banned shellfishing in some state waters because of a harmful toxin-producing algae.

The Department of Environmental Management enacted the ban Wednesday in lower Narragansett Bay, the lower Sakonnet River and portions of Rhode Island Sound in response to the algae known as Pseudo-nitzschia, which first appeared last fall.

The Providence Journal reports (https://bit.ly/2mPLs5X ) the ban was put into place after samples found elevated levels of domoic acid, the toxin sometimes emitted by Pseudo-nitzschia that can build up in shellfish meats. When ingested, domoic acid can sicken humans.

DEM officials notified shellfishermen on Tuesday, although officials say it appears that no shellfish were harvested in recent days.

Additional samples will continue to be collected in both affected and non-affected waters.